This style of question will be used on the redesigned TOEFL iBT starting July 26. Get more samples here.
https://www.toeflresources.com/toefl-writing-sample-questions-and-answers-discussion-boardquestions/
The test-taker must read the question posted by the professor and the two student responses. Finally,
they should write their own response which addresses the question and adds to the conversation. They
have ten minutes to complete the task.
Sample 1:
Your professor is teaching a class on economics. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.
In your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a contribution to
the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words. You have ten minutes to write.
Professor: Today we’re going to talk about the debate between economic growth and protecting the
environment. Economic growth creates new jobs and gives people money they can use to improve their
lives. On the other hand, if we protect the environment it can be enjoyed both by ourselves and future
generations. If you had to choose between prioritizing economic growth or protecting the environment,
which one would you choose. Why?
Alex: I would prioritize the environment. We only have one planet and if we don’t take care of it, we won’t
have pleasant lives in the future. Economic growth can be important, but not at the expense of the
environment. I think we need to shift towards more environmentally-friendly economic practices, such as
investing in renewable energy and promoting environmentally-friendly technologies. We’ll all live much
healthier lives if the world around us is clean.
Maggie: While I agree with Alex that environmental sustainability is important, I think that economic
growth is the only way to solve many of the social and economic problems we face. We need a strong
economy to create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve standards of living. Not only that, but if companies
grow stronger and more profitable, they might eventually develop new technologies that solve our
environmental problems.
Sample Answer: I strongly agree with Alex’s idea that our lives will be unpleasant if we focus entirely
on economic growth. I would add that if the environment is damaged by industrial development we’ll
be more likely to suffer from things like cancer and lung disease. Maggie raised the relevant point that
we can count on profitable companies to solve problems using new technology, but she doesn’t
mention that they might arrive far too late to be of use. For example, it might take decades for a
company to create a clean energy source, but people are suffering from environmental problems right
now. Overall, then, I’d say that companies and governments should prioritize the environment right
now.
Sample 2:
—
Your professor is teaching a class on marketing. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In
your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a contribution to the
discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words. You have ten minutes to write.
Professor: Today, we’re discussing the ethics of targeted advertising. Some people argue that online
advertising which uses personal information to target specific people is an invasion of privacy. Others
argue that it’s simply an acceptable way to reach consumers with products and services they’re
interested in. What’s your take? Do you think targeted advertising is ethical, or is it an invasion of
privacy?
Jessica: I think targeted advertising is an invasion of privacy. Advertisers shouldn’t be able to track and
use our personal information to sell us products. It’s not fair to consumers, and it’s a violation of our rights.
Instead, advertisers should focus on creating high-quality ads that appeal to a broad audience.
Mike: I disagree with Jessica. I think targeted advertising is ethical. It’s a more efficient way to reach
consumers with products and services that are relevant to their interests. Plus, consumers can always optout of targeted advertising by adjusting their privacy settings. As long as advertisers give users a choice, I
think targeted advertising can be beneficial for both businesses and consumers.
Sample Answer: I really like Mike’s idea that we can just opt-out of targeted advertising if we don’t like
it. I’d add that it is extremely easy to do this nowadays, as Internet browsers are very user-friendly. Jessica
raised the relevant point that companies should create advertisements that appeal to a broad audience,
but she didn’t mention how difficult it is to make advertisements like that. Society is more diverse than
ever before, so it is almost impossible to create messages that everyone finds attractive. Small companies
without large advertising and research budgets might go out of business if they are prevented from using
cheap and effective targeted advertising. Overall, then, I would say that targeted advertising is perfectly
acceptable.
Sample 3:
Your professor is teaching a class on social studies. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.
In your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a contribution to the
discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: Today, we’re going to discuss the impact of social media on society. On one hand, social media
platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have connected people from all over the world. However,
there are concerns about the negative effects of social media, such as the spread of misinformation, the
rise of cyberbullying, and addiction to social media use. What do you think? Does social media cause more
harm than good?
Sarah: I think that social media has caused more harm than good. While it’s true that social media
platforms have connected people in unprecedented ways, they have also caused real harm to individuals
and societies. Additionally, social media platforms have been linked to mental health problems such as
anxiety and depression, particularly among young people.
Mark: I disagree with Sara. I think that social media has mostly improved society. For instance, it has given
a voice to people that previously were ignored. Moreover, it has provided a platform for political activism
that has led to positive change. And, of course, social media has made it easy for everyone to stay
connected to family and friends who are far away. While there are negative aspects of social media, they
are far outweighed by the benefits.
Sample Answer: I strongly agree with Mark’s idea that social media gives a voice to people that society
used to ignore. I’d add that it is almost impossible for most people to get their messages on television or
in print media because those are controlled by companies and wealthy individuals. Sarah raised the
relevant point that social media causes mental health problems in some young people, but she didn’t
mention that social media can also help us to cope with and recover from such problems. For example,
there are a lot of support groups on communities like Facebook where people can talk about their
struggles and get advice from people going through similar experiences. Overall, then, I would say that
social media is mostly advantageous.
Sample 4:
Your professor is teaching a class on education. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In
your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a contribution to the
discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: In class today, we are going to talk about grading students. Before you come to class, I want
you to think about whether grades are beneficial. On one hand, they provide a way to measure
students’ progress. On the other hand, some argue that grades are too focused on performance and
don’t provide an accurate picture of a student’s overall academic abilities. If you had to choose, would
you say that students should be given grades or not? Why?
Lila: I think that students should not be given grades. Grades create a needlessly competitive environment
and can make students feel like they are only valued for their academic performance. This can be harmful
to their mental health and can discourage them. Instead of giving specific grades, teachers should provide
personal feedback that helps students understand what they need to improve and how they can do so.
Jake: I disagree. I believe that grades are the only way for students to understand how well they are doing
and the only way to motivate them to work harder. Without grades, there would be no way to measure
their progress or to identify areas where they need to improve. Moreover, grades prepare students for
the real world where they will be judged based on their performance.
Sample Answer: I strongly agree with Lila’s idea that grades can create an overly competitive environment
and may not accurately reflect a student’s progress. I’d add that grades can lead to a focus on test-taking
strategies rather than true learning, and as a result students may not fully engage with the material. Jake
raised the relevant point that grades are the only way to identify the specific areas where students are
weak, but he didn’t mention that teachers can study samples of their students’ work to find their
weaknesses without actually grading the work. For example, they could look at a student’s essay, see that
he is weak when it comes to grammar and tell him that in person. Overall, then, I would say that students
don’t actually need to be graded.
Sample 5:
Your professor is teaching a class on political science. Write a post responding to the professor’s
question. In your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a
contribution to the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: Today we’re going to discuss whether the government should tax unhealthy products, such
as sugary drinks and junk food. On one hand, taxing these products could discourage people from
consuming them and reduce health problems. On the other hand, some argue that such taxes unfairly
target lower-income families who may rely on these products as affordable sources of food. If you had
to choose, would you support or oppose taxing unhealthy products? Why?
Sam: I support the idea of taxing unhealthy products. These products are often high in sugar, salt, and fat,
which can lead to serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. As you said, by
taxing these products, the government can discourage people from consuming them and resolve some of
these health issues. Moreover, the revenue generated from such taxes can be used to fund advertising
campaigns that promote healthy eating habits.
Tanya: I disagree. I believe that such taxes are unfair to families that don’t have a lot of money. Wealthy
people will not care about the taxes and their habits won’t change. Additionally, if these taxes are
implemented people might try to save money by purchasing lower-quality products that are cheaper in
the first place. That means they could suffer even more health problems.
Sample Answer: I strongly agree with Sam’s idea that taxes on unhealthy products can reduce the
prevalence of serious health problems in society. I’d add that the government already spends an
enormous amount of money treating people with such illnesses and can’t afford to keep doing that
forever. Tanya raised the relevant point that people might turn to lower-quality products to save money,
but she didn’t mention that the government can prevent this by using the money from the tax to help
people make healthy choices. For example, they could reduce the taxes on products like fresh fruit and
vegetables. Overall, then, I would say that it is probably a good idea to tax certain unhealthy products.
Sample 6:
Your professor is teaching a class on computer science. Write a post responding to the professor’s
question. In your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a
contribution to the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: A new story about Artificial Intelligence (AI) is in the news almost every day. And, of course,
companies are spending an enormous amount of money to develop new technologies related to AI.
Before next class, I want you to consider the following question:
Is AI a dangerous technology that, overall, will be harmful to society, or is it a powerful tool that will
improve the lives of people?
Megan: Personally, I think AI is a threat to society. As AI technology advances, many jobs may become
automated, leaving people without work and that will certainly increase income inequality. Additionally,
there’s the risk that AI systems could be programmed with biases or used to discriminate against certain
groups. We need to be careful and ensure that AI is developed in an ethical and responsible way. Since
we can’t guarantee that right now, I think it is best to slow down when it comes to this kind of technology.
David: I disagree with Megan. I’m of the opinion that AI is a tool for progress. It has the potential to solve
many of the world’s problems, from climate change to disease. Additionally, AI can help us make better
decisions by analyzing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns that humans may miss. That said, I
agree with Megan that we must ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible way that benefits
society as a whole.
Sample Answer: I strongly agree with David’s idea that AI will help us deal with many serious problems
currently affecting society. I’d add that AI has already been used to make driving safer and reduce car
accidents, so we already have some proof that AI is helping people around the world. Megan raised the
relevant point that AI could eliminate certain jobs, but she didn’t mention that AI is creating new jobs.
For example, when new products are invented using AI they still have to be manufactured, which means
that new factory jobs are created. Not only that, but AI learning tools can help people increase their skills
and make themselves more attractive employees for various companies. Overall, then, I would say that
AI will improve our lives.
Sample 7:
Your professor is teaching a class on social studies. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.
In your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a contribution to
the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: Life expectancies are increasing all over the world nowadays. Some of you probably know
someone who is more than 100 years old. Before our next class, I want you to consider the following
question:
What factors do you think have contributed to the increase in life expectancy? Is it due to advances in
medical technology, improvements in public health, changes in lifestyle habits, or something else entirely?
Lisa: I think the main reason why people are living longer nowadays is recent advances in medical
technology. Modern medicine has enabled us to better treat and manage chronic illnesses, and there have
been major breakthroughs in areas such as cancer treatment and organ transplantation. As a result,
people are able to live longer with diseases that may have been fatal in the past.
John: While medical technology has certainly played a role, I think improvements in public health have
been just as important. We now have access to clean drinking water, sanitation systems, and vaccines
that have dramatically reduced the incidence of infectious diseases. Even a century ago, people didn’t
have access to any of these things. Additionally, public health campaigns have helped educate people
about healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, healthy eating, and not smoking, which can also contribute
to longer lifespans.
Sample Answer: I strongly agree with Lisa’s idea that technology has led to medical breakthroughs. I’d
add that new technology also makes it a lot easier for doctors to deliver those treatments. In many cases,
doctors can assist patients over the Internet, from miles away. That wasn’t possible when my parents
were young. John raised the relevant point that public campaigns about healthy eating and exercise have
improved our lives, but he didn’t mention that people have less healthy diets and get less exercise than
in the past and still live longer lives. For example, although children are less likely to have gym classes or
play outside than in the past, they still get fewer diseases than in the past. Overall, then, I’d say that
technology is the reason we live long lives nowadays.
Sample 8
Your professor is teaching a class on public administration. Write a post responding to the professor’s
question. In your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a
contribution to the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: Funding for education is a really hot topic nowadays, so today we’re going to talk about how
universities use their limited resources. In the discussion board please respond to the following
question:
Should universities prioritize funding academic facilities like libraries, or is it okay to spend just as much
money on sports and athletic programs?
Rachel: I think universities should prioritize funding for libraries. Libraries are essential for academic
research and study, and they provide students with access to information and resources that they might
not have otherwise. Investing in libraries can also help attract and retain the most talented professors,
which can ultimately benefit the university as a whole. Sports, on the other hand, appeal to just a small
percentage of people. Even in our school, most students aren’t on a sports team and don’t make use of
the fitness center or athletic fields.
Mike: While I agree that libraries are important, I think that sports programs should also be a priority for
universities. Sports can bring the campus community together, even if that just means they attend sports
and cheer for their favorite athletes. Meanwhile, among the athletes themselves, sports promote
teamwork and leadership skills. Additionally, successful sports programs can generate revenue for the
university and boost its reputation.
Sample Answer: I strongly agree with Rachel’s idea that academic facilities draw talented professors to
specific universities. I’d add that they also attract the best possible students as well, which means that
the whole scholarly environment of the campus. Mike raised the relevant point that athletic events bring
people close together, but he didn’t mention that there are other ways to do that which are much more
affordable. For example, organizing a campus festival is a much more cost-effective way to help students
bond than funding an entire football team. Although they are still expensive, a science lab or a library
costs much less to build than a large stadium. Overall, then, I would say that university administrators
should focus on.
Sample 9:
Your professor is teaching a class on political science. Write a post responding to the professor’s
question. In your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a
contribution to the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: As you know, city governments have a responsibility to improve the lives of residents. In today’s
class we’re going to discuss the best way for them to do that. What strategy do you think governments
should use to improve the overall quality of life of residents?
Maria: I think investing in infrastructure should be the main priority for every local government. This could
include things like repairing roads and bridges, expanding public transportation, and improving access to
clean water and sanitation. Good infrastructure can improve people’s daily lives, make it easier to get
around, and attract new businesses and residents to the area. It can also prevent serious accidents and
protect us from illnesses that damage our health.
Tom: While I agree that infrastructure is important, I think that social programs should also be a major
focus. The government could invest in things like education, affordable housing, and healthcare, which
can help address issues like poverty, inequality, and access to basic needs. By providing these types of
services, the government can help improve people’s well-being. These are things that everyone benefits
from… unlike a road which is only used by people who drive cars.
Sample Answer: I strongly agree with Tom’s idea that funding social problems can solve some of the major
problems facing society. I’d add that the costs of things like childcare and housing are rapidly increasing,
so government support is urgently needed. Maria raised the relevant point that infrastructure makes it
easier to get around but she didn’t mention that people will just leave the town altogether if it is too
expensive to buy a house or send their kids to daycare. For example, my sister’s family moved away from
our hometown last year since she couldn’t afford to raise her family. Even with great roads, she would
not have stayed there. Overall, then, I would say that local governments should help citizens by
supporting social programs.
Sample 10:
Your professor is teaching a class on business. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In
your response, you should express and support your personal opinion and make a contribution to the
discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: Today, we’re going to discuss the ways in which companies can impact society. In your opinion,
what is the best way for a company to have a positive impact on society?
Sarah: I believe that companies should focus on their own operations. While charitable giving can be
beneficial, it is a temporary fix that doesn’t address the root causes of serious social and environmental
problems. By doing business in more responsible ways, companies can have a more meaningful and lasting
impact on society. Not only that, but if they attract positive attention from consumers and increase their
profits because of their actions they will inspire other companies to do the same. That’s the only way we
can really fix society.
John: I disagree with Sarah. While those are very good points, I think that companies should focus on
charitable giving and philanthropy. Charitable giving can provide immediate relief to those in need and
contribute to the overall well-being of society right away. It could take years or decades for business
changes to have a positive impact on society, and most people just can’t wait that long. For instance,
donating money to a school can help students learn more effectively almost immediately.
Sample Answer: I strongly agree with John’s idea that charitable donations are a way to quickly address
the serious problems that we are facing nowadays. I’d add that some of these problems – like
homelessness and food insecurity – are more serious than they have ever been, so companies certainly
have a role to play. Sarah raised the relevant point that philanthropy might help businesses to attract
new customers, but she didn’t mention that right now people’s purchasing decisions are mostly based on
cost. For example, people might buy a product from an unethical company if it is the cheapest one on the
market. Overall, then, I would say that the best way for companies to help people is to donate to charities.
Sample 11:
Your professor is teaching a class on business management. Write a post responding to
the professor’s question. In your response, you should


express and support your personal opinion
make a contribution to the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words. You have ten minutes to write.
Professor: Today, we’re going to talk about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work.
Many companies have implemented remote work policies in the past few years, and
many others are considering joining them. Given that this represents a major change in
the way we work and interact with each other, companies must carefully consider all
relevant details before making a decision. What do you think? Is remote work
beneficial, or do you think it’s a bad idea?
Sara: I think remote work is a very positive trend. When we work from home, we spend
commuting and we have more flexible schedules. Plus, many people find that they are
more productive when working from home. Some people say this is because they aren’t
distracted by their coworkers, while others suggest it’s because their energy isn’t drained
during a long and bothersome commute.
Michael: While I can see the benefits of remote work, I don’t think it should become the
new normal. There’s something to be said for the atmosphere that comes from being in
the same physical space as your colleagues. I also think that remote work can make it
harder to build relationships and collaborate effectively. This means it might limit our
chances to earn promotions and raises. And what about people who don’t have enough
room for a home office? They’ll suffer if this trend continues.
—-
Sample Answer:
In my opinion, letting employees work from home is a fantastic idea and more companies
should consider it. I strongly agree with Sara’s idea that people work more productively
from home. I’d add that we feel much more comfortable in our own house, so we can
think more creatively about our assigned tasks. Nowadays, employers value creativity
above all else, so they ought to consider giving employees this option. Michael raised the
relevant point that it’s important to form relationships with our colleagues, but he didn’t
mention that we can easily do this on social networks. For example, most professionals
use services like LinkedIn to keep in touch these days. In many ways websites like these
are better ways to socialize with people in our field than talking to them in person. That’s
because they are convenient and make it really easy to share articles and videos relevant
to our careers.
Sample 12:
our professor is teaching a class on education. Write a post responding to the professor’s
question. In your response, you should:


express and support your personal opinion
make a contribution to the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: Over the next few weeks, we’re going to talk about recent trends in
education. Specifically, we’ll discuss how many universities have started letting students
take classes from home instead of taking them in person on campus. I want to know what
you think about this issue, so here’s a quick question for the discussion board: “What do
you think is the most significant impact of online classes? Why do you think it has this
impact?”
Jack: The main thing is that online classes make education more accessible. For one,
they help reduce commuting time and costs and give students more flexibility in their
schedules. Plus, online learning can be more accessible for students who have disabilities
or live far away from campus. Traditionally, high costs have prevented many people from
pursuing an education, but thanks to online classes cost is less of a problem.
Emily: I think that online classes cause people to learn less than before. There’s
something to be said for the energy and engagement that comes from being in the same
physical space as your classmates and instructor. Moreover, when we take classes in
person it is easier to build relationships and collaborate. We learn just as much from
personal connections as we do from our actual lectures and textbooks.
Sample Answer:
In my opinion, online classes have a negative impact on our education. I agree with
Emily’s idea that we learn less when we take them. I’d add that it is a lot easier to get
distracted when we study at home using our personal computer. It’s so easy for our mind
to wander off to other things, which could cause us to miss really critical details from an
important lecture. This is less likely to happen when we are in a classroom surrounded
by serious scholars. Jack raised the relevant point that online classes make education
more accessible, but he didn’t mention that the main expense for students is tuition, and
universities charge the same amount for online classes and offline classes. For example,
in my biology class some people attend in person, while other people take the class at
home, but we all pay the exact same fee. Overall, then, I would say that online classes
cause us to learn less than before.
Sample 13:
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the
professor’s question. In your response, you should


express and support your personal opinion
make a contribution to the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: Lately we’ve talked a lot about the impact of technology on our lives. With
the prevalence of smartphones and other devices, we’re more connected than ever, but
some people are distressed by this trend. We’ll discuss this in our next class, but before
we do I’d like to hear your thoughts on the issue. Overall, do devices like smartphones
have a positive impact on the way we communicate? Or a negative one?
Rachel: Personally, I think this sort of technology has had a negative impact on our
ability to communicate face-to-face. People are too reliant on text messages, social
media, and things like that, which can lead to a lack of nuance and depth in our
interactions. It’s harder to read body language and tone of voice over text, and that can
result in misunderstandings and miscommunications. I think that if people want to
become effective communicators, they should talk to people in person.
Mike: While I agree that it can sometimes be challenging to communicate in person, I
also think modern technology has its benefits. Smartphones make it possible for us to
stay connected with acquaintances and loved ones who are far away, and social networks
provide a platform for introverted people to express themselves in ways that they may not
be able to do in person. Accordingly, I think smartphones are mostly beneficial.
Sample Answer:
In my opinion, smartphones are advantageous in the modern world. I agree with Mike’s
idea that social networks make it possible for more people to express their ideas and
opinions. I’d add that certain groups of people aren’t able to share their ideas in
traditional media like newspapers and television broadcasts, but if they have smartphones
they can easily do so by posting to social networks like Twitter and Facebook. By
sharing their ideas, they can bring about positive change in society. Rachel raised the
point that it is challenging to pick up on subtle details in online communication, but I
disagree. Nowadays we can send not only text messages, but also images and
videos. Those can add a lot of depth and nuance to our interactions.
Sample 14:
Your professor is teaching a class on education. Write a post responding to the
professor’s question. In your response, you should


express and support your personal opinion
make a contribution to the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: In next week’s class we’ll talk about different approaches to education. You
know, not everyone agrees about the best way for young people to gain knowledge and
learn new skills. Let’s prepare by discussing whether it’s better for students to take
classes with a lot of discussions or classes mainly focused on lectures. What do you
think?
Rachel: I prefer classes that have a lot of discussions. I just learn better when I’m
actively engaged with academic material and can exchange ideas with my classmates.
When I have the opportunity to get immediate feedback, I can understand things more
deeply. I also benefit from hearing about different perspectives and new ways of thinking
about challenging topics. Additionally, discussions help me retain the information better
since they’re more interactive and memorable.
Mike: I see your point, Sarah, but I prefer lectures. I like being able to listen to an expert
explain a topic and really get into it. With lectures, there’s usually a clear structure and a
set agenda, which can help me stay focused and organized. I also appreciate being able to
take notes and study at my own pace. I can’t do those things if I have to engage in a
discussion. Not only that, but discussions can sometimes get off track or become too
argumentative, which can take away from the learning experience.
Sample Answer:
In my opinion, interactive classes are much better than one where we just sit and
passively listen to a professor. I strongly agree with Rachel’s point that discussions help
us to remember details more easily. I’d add that we need to prepare for discussions in
advance, which also improves our retention of specific details and concepts. In the end, I
think these things improve our grades on tests and assignments. While I understand
Mike’s point that it is easier to take notes while listening to lectures, he doesn’t mention
that nowadays it’s extremely easy to record our classes. If we need to take notes about
things we missed, we can just listen to a recording and fill in the blanks. As a result, we
can take part in the cut and thrust of debate and not worry about missing anything critical.
Sample 15:
Your professor is teaching a class on marketing. Write a post responding to the
professor’s question. In your response, you should:


express and support your personal opinion
make a contribution to the discussion in your own words
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: Hello class! Next week we will be discussing the impact of social media
influencers on consumer behavior. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram
and YouTube, we’ve seen the emergence of a new type of celebrity: the social media
influencer. These influencers have large followings and can sway consumer behavior by
endorsing products or services. What are your thoughts on this?
Jack: I think social media influencers have a significant impact. When young people start
admiring these influencers and trust their recommendations, they are more likely to buy
products or services that they endorse. However, I also think there are some concerns
about the authenticity of these endorsements, as some influencers may promote products
that they don’t actually use or believe in.
Emily: I’m not convinced that social media influencers have a significant impact on
consumer behavior. While they may have large followings, most people are smart enough
to make their own purchasing decisions based on their needs and preferences. Plus, there
are so many influencers out there promoting different products that it can be hard to
know who to trust.
Sample Answer:
In my opinion, social media influencers aren’t as significant as some people suggest. I
agree with Emily’s idea that people are too smart to be influenced by them. I’d add
that twenty years ago a charismatic person might have convinced us to buy something
we didn’t really need, but I think that doesn’t happen so much nowadays. That’s because
we can thoroughly research whatever products we are interested in using blogs, consumer
magazines and social media. Since we can use these sources of information to find goods
that exactly suit our needs, we aren’t swayed by the exaggerated claims of social media
influencers. Jack raised the relevant point that young people are especially vulnerable,
but I think most parents these days take the time to educate their kids about
misinformation and monitor their internet use. As a result, young people aren’t likely to
make rash decisions about what to buy.